Have you recently or in the past experienced a foot injury that caused severe pain to your arch and the middle of your foot? If so, you may have sustained a Lisfranc injury. A Lisfranc injury may constitute a broken bone, or fracture dislocation in the middle of your foot, or may just be an injury to a vital ligament. Whatever the reason, the physicians and surgeons at Harlis Foot and Ankle are specifically trained to handle these types of ailments.

What is the Lisfranc Complex?

The Lisfranc complex is a joint in the middle of your foot where your metatarsal bones, i.e., the long bones in the middle of your foot, link to the remaining foot.

It is an extremely complex area of the foot because it is where all the tendons, ligaments, and bones join and work in conjunction to maintain your arch. So, as a part of your joint system, all elements interact at this point. The importance in your normal foot architecture cannot be understated. You can consider it the main intersection in your city’s busiest highway.

Unfortunately, any part of the Lisfranc Complex can be compromised, and as previously stated can be a fracture (sometimes this is referred to as a midfoot fracture) or lisfranc sprain. A Lisfranc fracture dislocation or sprain usually occurs from a traumatic injury. Athletes sometimes damage this joint while playing sports, and injuries can also occur from tripping or stumbling. High velocity or more major events like falling from a ladder and car accidents cause Lisfranc fracture-dislocation. If you sustain a fracture, you might damage one bone, but you can still damage the surrounding soft tissue. symptoms include foot and ankle pain, and swelling.

Is there any treatment for the Lisfranc injury?

Yes, there are two types of treatment options:

• Non-surgical treatment (Conservative care management)
• Surgical treatment

If you believe you may have sustained a Lisfranc injury, immediately present to your nearest hospital or urgent care facility. If you have a podiatrist that you see, you can call them as well. At Harlis Family Foot and Ankle, we accept same day appointments and never turn away emergencies. We also have x-ray capabilities to quickly evaluate the severity of any given injury.

Conservative care management or Non-Surgical Treatment

If symptoms are mild, and a fracture is not identified. You doctor may advise the following:

• Do cold compresses and apply compression to the painful area
• Elevate the foot as much possible
• Resting the injured foot
• Immobilization in a cast or boot
• Non-weightbearing

Surgical Options:

Surgical intervention is indicated if your ligament and bones have shifted from normal anatomical alignment or show evidence of severe damage. As before stated, this will usually occur after high velocity accidents or major trauma. The surgeon uses orthopedic hardware such as plates and screws to reduce and fixate the injury, and allow the soft tissue and bones to heal

Recovery Period:

After surgery, you will need to be immobilized for at least 6-8 weeks and have serial x-rays performed to ensure adequate healing. With a sprain, the recovery period is similar depending on your symptoms. As with any injury, clinical presentation and recovery can vary depending on the patient, which is why it is important to closely follow up with your doctor, and strictly adhere to their recommendations.

If you feel you have suffered a Lisfranc injury and are in the Port St. Lucie area, don’t hesitate to contact our physicians and surgeons at Harlis Family Foot and Ankle.